Inkspell by Cornelia Funke -- Book Review

The second book starts off in a very interesting manner -- finding of another silver tongue who had the ability to transport DustFinger and Farid back to Inkworld. Farid does not trust the new silver tongue and he is shocked to realize that he is right when Dustfinger vanishes off the face of the earth while he, Farid is left behind. Farid also realizes that the silvertongue works for Basta and Mortola. Basta wants to avenge his master's death. Farid manages to escape and runs to the original silver tongue, Mortimer or Mo. Mo, Resa, Eleanor, and Meggie are settling down into their own lives. Darius, the other silver tongue, who was last seen in Capricon's court also lives with them. Meggie is unable to forget Inkworld and spends a lot of time asking Resa to re-tell stories from her 10 years at InkWorld. Mo does not like this obsession for a place he considers evil and hurtful.

Farid lands up around this time and convinces Meggie to read him into Inkworld. Meggie plans to accompany him so she can see the Inkworld for herself. She leaves a note and just as everone is re-conciling themselves to the news -- Basta, Mortola, Orpheus (the other silver tongue), and a body guard of sorts land up at Eleanor's house and take them prisoners. Basta orders Mo to read him and Mortola back to InkWorld. Resa clings to Mo and is transported to InkWorld with Mo, Basta, and Mortola. When Mortola realizes that Capricon is dead in InkWorld as well, she shoots Mo fatally, with a gun she brought with her. Resa tends to Mo as Mortola leaves the place.

The story introduces a number of characters in this book. Dustfinger meets his wife Roxanne, his daughter Brianna. He also meets the cloud dancer and other motley folk. He watches his rival sootbird, who still fears fire. He also meets the black prince. It was as interesting as the first book. I got so involved in the story that I was having dreams of InkWorld. That has not happened since I was a kid!

Enjoyed the book.  

Another Book Review -- Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

Unbelievable -- right? I thought so too. I thought after the 3 book reviews, I would slip back to the world of movies - but nope tht did not happen. Why? I blame Cornelia Funke. The premise of InkHeart was very unique and so interesting that I hoped the book lived up to it. It was all that and more. It was a well-written story and I could not put the book down. I had read it a while ago and forgot to blog about it (I know -- so rare). When I got my hands on the second and third part of the trilogy, I went ahead and re-read it.

The author expresses herself very well as Meggie. Meggie, her curiousity, her stubborness, her love for her dad, her rebellious nature, her to-die-for interest in books, all remind me of myself when I was Meggie's age. This book is a treat -- it reminds me of the days before TV was the guest of honour at home. The book should be reserved for rainy days when you can plonk yourself on a nice window seat with cushions and a razai. Lets add a nice cuppa chai, some snacks (naturally) and Enid Blyton or Agatha Christie Cornelia Funke for company. I think that would be just perfect.

While the idea of a book-crazy aunt was pretty neat, book-crazy ppl are not the type who will ever set out on an adventure though they will wish for it with all their might. While she plays pretty true to type initially, cribbing with all her might about the inconveniance, she gradually likes the adventure which is not so easy to believe. Mo is almost every lil gal's dad - his character was also well-etched. Dustfinger, the friend turned foe turned friend again, was believable. 

I loved the quotes that start each chapter, I liked the reference to the selfish giant, (a lesson I recall from my school days), I liked, I liked, I liked :)

I am looking forward to reading the other two parts -- I am not sure how she can surpass this book - but wait n watch for my review -- I am re-reading it almost after a year.

On another note, saw Ishqya finally. Vidya Balan was great in this movie as well. Naseeruddin Shah is superb as usual. Arshad Warsi is equally good. Vidya Balan looks quite slim unlike her recent self in The Dirty Picture and Kahani. Not blogging the movie review. But, the movie clearly showcases the saying that script is king. It also showed that good actors are very crucial for a good script to attain SUPER-HIT status.